James Walter Knight Jr.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, the son of Buddy and Polly Knight, he spent much of his time riding his bicycle and fulfilling his curiosity and love for fireworks. He attended Wade Hampton High School where he was a star football player graduating in the class of 1969. Post- graduation, Jimmy attended the Citadel until fatefully falling in love with Patricia Berry. With reckless abandon, he left college life to marry his one true love, and follow in his father’s footsteps to pursue a career in real estate.

But being married to the daughter of a Greenville Police Captain and hearing all of the exciting stories of his hometown, he caught the law enforcement bug and traded his real estate license for a gun and badge. He often described it as his “dream job.” Much to Pat’s chagrin, his career was filled with life on the edge, long undercover nights, and peanuts for pay. After years of service, with the desire to be more present for his growing family and give them even more, he took a much safer job as a salesman at Industrial Metal Processing (IMP).

Jimmy’s gifts of strong communication skills and love of investing in people helped him to rise through the ranks of IMP to eventually become the company President. Later, through a successful partnership with his closest friends, they rebranded the company to Carolina Recycling Group (CRG.) His love of serving the employees of CRG is what brought him the most joy in his work.

Though entrepreneurship kept him very busy, Jimmy always found time to do what he loved with those he loved. Whether it be hunting or fishing with his father in-law Ray Berry, traveling, beach time with family, boxing, or fireworks shows with his son, Jimmy’s heart for adventure never wavered.

Above all, the most evident thing about Jimmy Knight was his love for Jesus. It showed in every encounter, through incredible generosity, and his true servant’s heart. If there was a need, Jimmy Knight wanted to meet it. He believed the Lord had blessed him in order to bless others. His life was indeed a blessing to us all.

Jimmy Knight is survived by his precious wife, Patricia “Pat” Knight; children, Shannon Knight Ireland and husband James, Brent Knight, and bonus daughter, Ty Miller and husband Brian; his grandchildren Kylie Knight, Taryn Knight, Tyler Knight, Jude Ireland and Hadley Knight; and his older sister Linda Knight Russo and husband Tom.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 3:00 pm in the chapel at Mackey at Woodlawn Memorial Park located at 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 1:00 pm. Memorial gifts or donations may be made to Horizon Church at www.horizonchurch.org.